ZIM vs BAN 2nd T20I: Rishad Hossain stars as Bangladesh beat Zimbabwe to level T20I series

Rishad Hossain (Image credit: X) Bangladesh produced a commanding all-round performance to beat Zimbabwe by 34 runs in the second T20I to level the three-match series 1-1 and decide the winner-takes-all on Sunday.After an all-round display in the opening match, the visitors responded strongly with a significantly improved performance in all three departments. In contrast, Zimbabwe endured a rare day off with the bat, ball and field, dropping several catches before they failed to chase down a challenging target of 187.Bangladesh took full advantage of the reprieve on offer to post 186 before their bowlers ensured that Zimbabwe never got pace in the chase.

Zimbabwe is proving expensive

Zimbabwe’s troubles began in the field as a series of dropped catches allowed Bangladesh’s top order to dominate.Opener Saif Hassan was the biggest beneficiary, surviving several chances as he combined with Tanzid Hasan Tamim to form an excellent 120-run opening partnership that laid the foundation for a competitive total.Despite a sloppy fielding, Zimbabwe briefly fought back by picking up five wickets in quick succession, raising hopes of restricting the visitors to a sub-par score.However, Yasir Ali and Mohammad Saifuddin ensured that Bangladesh finished strong. Saifuddin provided the late fireworks, smashing four sixes off Brad Evans in the final over to propel Bangladesh to 186 and shift the momentum firmly in favor of the visitors.A late attack proved decisive and Zimbabwe ended up rueing the costly mistakes that had allowed Bangladesh to build such a formidable unit.

Rishad, Mahedi seal a comfortable win

Zimbabwe never really threatened during the chase as the Bangladeshi bowlers struck at regular intervals.Unlike the opening T20I, where Zimbabwe dictated proceedings, none of their batsmen managed to convert starts into meaningful innings. The hosts kept losing wickets at crucial moments, preventing any meaningful partnership from developing.No Zimbabwean batter crossed the 30-run mark as the required run-rate kept rising.Rishad Hossain was the destroyer in charge and finished with four wickets to derail the chase while Mahedi Hasan provided excellent support with three scalps.Bangladesh’s disciplined bowling attack complemented the batting effort perfectly and ended Zimbabwe’s innings 34 runs short of the target.The comprehensive victory marked the ideal response from the visitors after a disappointing defeat in the opening game of the series. It also ended Zimbabwe’s early dominance of the tour, with the hosts unable to match the intensity they had shown in the first match.With the series now tied 1-1, both teams go into Sunday’s third and final T20I knowing that a win will clinch the series.